8/10/09
Part One
| Part Two | Part
Three | Part Four
Before sitting down to write this series in 2009, I thought it would
be prudent to re-visit 2008, and determine
if there was any value in re-generating this series. What I found
most intriguing was its precautionary advice, namely not to rely
on it as gospel, but as a source of useful information to weed through
in the hopes of unearthing a single nugget that would elevate a
team’s chances come draft day. Accordingly, as you go through
the next four weeks of training camp hype, you have to remember
that it is called “hype”, because that is all that it
is. It is propaganda wrapped up inside a riddle, wrapped again in
a puzzle, entrenched in an enigma, surrounded by conundrum.
And it proved to be just that, as names like Chris Perry, Derek
Anderson, Jordy Nelson, Ben Obomanu and Selvin Young would pop up
throughout. Reports out of Miami were that Ronnie Brown was on his
way out and Ricky Williams was in. But, then, somewhere amongst
the drivel, other mid-to-late-round draft choices started gaining
momentum and nuggets were unearthed.
For instance, out of the chute, during the first
week of training camps, I was already touting DeAngelo Williams,
Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Pierre Thomas and Steve Slaton.
By week two, I was expressing hesitancy
about Jonathan Stewart and suggesting that history could repeat
itself in Carolina and I cautioned readers not to get too excited
about Stewart and to keep their eyes on DeAngelo Williams. The Smash
and Dash combo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White began to get a
lot of air time. Eddie Royal had crept onto the scene.
By week three I was on the Eddie Royal
express. While the Texan offense was destined to become an RBBC
with five “competent” backs, I noted that “if
Slaton can start picking up blocking in the passing game, which
he did against the Saints, this speedster out of West Virginia may
get some good looks.”
Finally, in week four, I continued carrying
the torch for DeAngelo Williams, even after Jonathan Stewart’s
100-yard performance, stating “given Fox’s run first
mentality, it’s conceivable that even a 50/50 split will make
these two running backs valuable.”
And now, for Training Camp Hype 2009 - Revenge
of the Footballen.
Preliminary cautions to the reader: (1) between the time I start
drafting this article and its eventually posting at FF Today, things
change as training camp is fast and furious. For instance, as I
prepared, Reggie Bush was the talk of camp, but then prior to submission,
Bush left practice with significant swelling and was seen icing
his knee, then Bush came back, then New Orleans issued a statement
that Bush will be kept out of the scrimmage. While I may catch big
scoops like this, the smaller changes in day-to-day battles will
be overlooked and some of the news below may already be stale; (2)
I live in Los Angeles, whose closest to thing to a professional
football team is presently ranked number four in the AP Poll. Obviously,
I cannot get around to one, let alone 32 different training camps,
so all of this information is derived from nearly 100 different
resources.
AFC EAST
New York Jets -
Shonn Greene is the sleeper rookie running back I will be watching
closely. With Thomas Jones aging, a QB situation that screams rush
over pass, one of the best offensive lines and a world class fullback
in Tony Richardson, Greene seems to be in one of those potentially
perfect situations of a back-up who may get top billing by mid-season.
Top that off with the fact the Jets really didn’t seem to
mind that Thomas Jones, I suspect the Jets running backs perceive
Greene to be a real threat to their livelihood. According to Newark
Star Ledger beat writer M. A. Mehta, “Greene appears like
he’ll challenge Jones” and in the first scrimmage, Greene,
with a bum ankle took center stage.
Mark Sanchez is not hurting his
chances to start on opening day. Kellen Clemens has had some difficulties
in pressure situations and while some reports say that Rex Ryan
calls it a virtual deadlock, others say that Sanchez is already
widening the gap. Sanchez looked good in the green and white scrimmage
but Clemens has already been named the starter for the first preseason
game. Jerricho Cotchery is holding the number one receiver position
and Chansi Stuckey the slot, but none of the other receivers have
stepped up to claim the number two – not David Clowney,
Brad Smith or Wallace Wright.
Buffalo Bills –
Already dealing with question marks on the O-line, the Bills lost
RT Brad Butler to a back injury. Although the coaching staff does
not feel it’s a long term issue, Butler will be on the sideline
to start the preseason. Despite the good reports I read about
T.O. and Trent
Edwards, I keep hearing about dropped passes in practice.
Sounds like the Bills can expect some of the same frustrations
Dallas and Philly fans have experienced. Free agent WR Shaine
Smith from Hofstra [home of Marques Colston] has been turning
heads with his play-making ability. He was brought into camp while
the receiving corps was thin, but he just might make the squad.
Marshawn
Lynch’s three game suspension is now a fact and Fred
Jackson (the declared starter for weeks 1-3) and Dominic Rhodes
are getting a lot of first team reps.
Miami Dolphins
– The entire no-name wide receiver pack of Davone Bess,
Greg Camarillo,
Ted Ginn, Jr., Patrick
Turner and Brian Hartline have been putting together consistently
good practice sessions. Camarillo seems to be Pennington’s clutch
guy whenever he gets in trouble. Patrick Turner is already showing
polished route running, clutch hands and excellent body control.
Pat White
has looked impressive against the third team defense in the shotgun,
but not that impressive under center. Patrick Cobbs has been having
an impressive camp, but he still languishes behind Ricky
Williams, who is backing up Ronnie
Brown. According to reports, Sporano has never seen Williams
look more physically fit.
New England Patriots
– Up first is Tom Brady’s recovery and Patriot
faithful are happy to note that Brady has not missed one practice
or workout. The running back system has all the earmarks of a
four back committee with Sammy Morris getting goal line carries
and Kevin Faulk getting significant work. Fred Taylor has been
looking sharp and Laurence Maroney has been having a strong camp
including basking in his role as a kick returner. Chris Baker
will be pushing hard to be the starting tight end as Ben Watson
is missing significant time. Joey Galloway has not been overly
impressive and likely won’t impact the number of passes
going to Wes Welker and Randy Moss. Note: Getting a good read
on Patriot practices is more difficult due to certain policies
they have with their reporters and lack of information coming
from the team.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
– Note that while I strive to maintain journalistic
integrity, I am nevertheless a Charger fan, so when it comes to
the evil Raiders and Broncos, I may not be as objective. Having
said this, from week one of training camp last year, I touted
Eddie Royal, so at least I am not as myopic as the fans of the
Silver and Black. Has Josh McDaniels gained control of this team?
The Broncos are already down Brandon Marshall, who I predicted
in one of my articles a month ago was going to feign a difficult
to diagnose hamstring injury or lingering hip problem, so he could
avoid playing during his contract dispute. While I believe Marshall
to be one of the elite talents in the league, he has powder keg
written all over him this year. Knowshon Moreno signed on the
evening of submission of this article, in the meantime, Lamont
Jordan leads the Broncos depth chart at the tailback position.
The backfield is already crowded and there is talk of Peyton Hillis
being the early standout at camp, earning more time at tailback
in McDaniels one-back sets. And don’t forget that Ryan Torrain
is healthy and looking good, as is Darius Walker. Kyle Orton and
Eddie Royal have both looked impressive and there is no question
that Royal is working his way into being the lead receiver with
Marshall on the bench. Orton was booed by Broncos’ fans
after two interceptions at the Broncos’ scrimmage.
Kansas City Chiefs
– Little else needs to be said about the Chiefs number
two wide receivers Mark Bradley or Devard Darling other than the
fact that Todd Haley has been griping about the dropped passes
and then went out and signed Amani Toomer. Matt Cassel has “found
a rhythm with Bobby Engram,” who will be used as a slot
receiver when the Chiefs use a three-receiver formation. Haley
is not use to nor does he tolerate fumbles or dropped passes in
the manner which he has witnessed in KC, so look for a lot of
mental guidance which should make Dwayne Bowe a more accomplished
receiver this year. To insure this, Bowe is rooming with Engram
who is teaching him how to practice and properly prepare. Reports
are that Haley will not be naming his starting running back, but
that Larry Johnson returns with a new head of steam, in the best
shape of his life (dropped 12-pounds) a positive attitude and
is punishing defenders. Jamaal Charles has also been looking goo
and about the only Chief that has added weight instead of lost
weight at the request of Haley’s new conditioning program.
Oakland Raiders
– Reports about Jamarcus Russell seem to be favorable,
but I have learned over the years that the Raiders’ press
is the most myopic – maybe its fear of Al Davis. The knock
on Derrius Heyward-Bey coming into the draft was not his athleticism,
but his inability to hold onto the ball. Early into training camp,
Heyward-Bey is looking every bit the Clifford Franklin clone,
wowing with his speed and dropping balls – in offense only
drills. I know… I know… none of you football purists
will admit to having enjoyed The Replacements, but for me any
movie that can ask the question “Is Lap Dancing a Style?”
gets rave reviews in my book. Javon Walker is making some noise,
looking impressive in his workouts – uhm… repeat after
me, myopic Raider media. Chaz Schilens is supposedly one of the
standout receivers in camp. Darren McFadden is looking sharp but
Justin Fargas may still get a lot of looks because he is the only
back who can pick up blitzes.
San Diego Chargers
– LaDainian Tomlinson is intent to disprove those
who knock him as a deteriorating 30-year-old. He is “hitting
holes with a purpose.” It warms my heart to hear these things
coming from former USC and Los Angeles Rams coach and Charger
consultant John Robinson, who has coached the likes of Eric Dickerson,
and Heisman Trophy winners Charles White and Marcus Allen. While
Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are having good camps, WR Legedu
Naanee is one of the skill position standouts and is lining up
in the slot. Antonio Gates has self-proclaimed that he has his
“hop” back, which was not present in 2008.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
– Darn! Mark Clayton was looking good to be the pseudo-sleeper
pick, with Joe Flacco improving, Derrick Mason retiring and his
biggest threat being Demetrius Williams. Then, Derrick Mason un-retired
and Clayton strained a hamstring (with bleeding), which will keep
him out most of the pre-season. The training camp depth chart
has Ray Rice number one, Willis McGahee number two and Le’Ron
McClain number three. Rice is “bigger and better,”
“bouncing outside” and “cutting with confidence.”
McGahee comes to camp healthy and has been looking good. This
triumvirate should be as effective as last year.
Cincinnati Bengals
– The starters all appear entrenched – Carson
Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles and Cedric Benson. Chris
Henry has not been overly impressive. Conversely, Brian Leonard
and Bernard Scott are making a push to get some playing time behind
Benson. Starting TE Reggie Kelly was placed on injured reserve
which is a big blow to the Bengals blocking scheme.
Cleveland Browns
– The QB competition is still close, with neither Derek
Anderson nor Brady
Quinn jumping ahead of the other. Braylon Edwards has rejuvenated
the Browns’ faithful that his case of the 2008 dropsy’s are behind
him as he is again making exciting catches and grabbing everything
in sight. Rookie WR Mohamed Massoquoi is running crisp routes
and demonstrating sure hands. James
Davis is becoming another back-up running back to keep your
eyes on. He has exhibited speed and elusiveness in camp, impressing
the Browns coaches and having highlight days running for long
touchdowns. Eric Mangini is also impressed with Davis’ pass blocking
skills. However, there is no talk he will be stealing too many
carries from Jamal
Lewis or even Jerome
Harrison. It’s fashionable to discount Lewis as too old at
the age 30, especially coming off an abysmal year in 2008 but
writing off Lewis may be a bit premature. Under a Mangini regime
last year, Thomas Jones went from 1,119 yards, 3.6 ypc and two
total TDs to 1,312 yards, 4.5 ypc and 15 TDs. The Browns have
a solid offensive line and Mangini wants a bruising downhill runner.
At 245 pounds, Lewis fits the bill. In 2008, Lewis had 1,002 yards,
3.6 ypc and four TDs. Sound familiar?
Pittsburgh Steelers
– Things may be looking good for Ben Roethlisberger
on the legal front and the civil action does not appear to be
a distraction. Limas Sweed appears to have locked up number three
wide receiver position. Mike Tomlin has given many of the veterans
significant time off, so there is not much news. Rashard Mendenhall
would like to be a contributor to the Steelers Super Bowl success
and is motivated to be one this year.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
– Andre Johnson is every bit as exciting in practice
as he is on Sunday. He makes his own defensive backs look bad.
Kevin Walter is locked in to the number two position while Andre
Davis is making a bid for the number three, trying to fend off
Jacoby Jones. Matt Schaub isn’t looking sharp yet, but is
entrenched and doesn’t have to worry about Dan Orlovsky
or Rex Grossman taking his job. Orlovsky looks to be the early
leader for the number two QB. Steve Slaton has beefed up approximately
eight pounds, but still looks quick. Chris Brown looks good (as
he does every preseason) and is getting significant reps with
the first team. Ryan Moats also looks good, exhibiting better
vision than in previous years. While Slaton may get the bulk of
the reps, he may be looking at a committee situation.
Indianapolis Colts
– The Colts brings continuity each year. Peyton Manning
is not in jeopardy of losing his job to Jim Sorgi. I could say
Manning is having an awful training camp and it would still be
meaningless. He is not of course and Manning has expressed joy
in being able to drive himself to camp this year and being healthy
enough to play. Reggie Wayne is the undisputed number one wideout
and the new Reggie Wayne is Anthony Gonzalez. Fighting for the
number three (or the old Anthony Gonzalez) are Pierre Garcon and
Roy Hall. Manning is expecting big things from Garcon, so he may
be a player to look for in deep leagues. Joseph Addai is looking
good also although Donald Brown is explosive and elusive and will
have significant time on the field. 2009 does not look like 2006
when we all suspected that then rookie Addai would replace Dominic
Rhodes by game four or five. Addai has been limited to certain
practices. But, there are no problems noted and the limitation
appears precautionary as a result of his arthroscopic surgery
earlier this offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
– Jack Del Rio has expressed that Maurice
Jones-Drew will see an increase in touches, but that he plans
to use others significantly so as not to wear Jones Drew out.
Greg Jones
is looking like the best candidate to take over Fred Taylor’s
carries, and seventh round pick Rashad
Jennings out of Liberty has turned a lot of heads since spring.
The old guys are getting to rest a lot, so I wouldn’t expect to
hear much about the receivers right now. Mike
Walker (soon to be “Sims-Walker in honor of his father who
passed late last year) is being given every chance to line-up
opposite of Torry
Holt. David
Garrard has great expectations of Sims-Walker this year. Marcedes
Lewis has moderately improved his numbers each year and during
the off-season worked on his pass catching skills as opposed to
his usual focus on blocking.
Tennessee Titans
– When it comes to the Titans, only three words matter:
“Smash and Dash.” During the offseason, Chris
Johnson had fun at LenDale
White’s expense, saying he no longer wants to be part of Smash
and Dash and now wants to be known as “Every Coach’s Dream.” In
a slow summer, the media ran with this story as something meaningful.
It is not. Johnson still looks as explosive as last year and LenDale
has trimmed down and stopped drinking tequila. The Titans are
sporting a self-proclaimed Hall of Fame quarterback, but right
now he is still second on the depth chart behind Kerry
Collins. It’s difficult to talk about Titans’ wide receivers
and care at the same time. Seriously, the last time the Titans
had a WR/TE exceed 750 yards or six touchdowns, Billy
Volek was at the helm. That was 2004, when the Titans enjoyed
the services of Derrick Mason and Drew
Bennett. At that time, Tennessee’s first team WRs Nate
Washington and Justin
Gage were barely hanging onto third positions at their former
teams. First round selection Kenny Britt is suffering from a hamstring
pull.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals –
Chris (“Beanie”)
Wells sprained his ankle in his very first training camp practice.
Wells was already behind the curve having missed earlier organized
team activities due to Ohio State’s late graduation. He comes
into camp with knocks on his durability and pass blocking all
of which are starting to make fantasy owners nervous. Ken Wisenhunt
has voiced his concern that Wells will not have enough reps. In
the meantime, Tim
Hightower has been looking ever so sharp in practice, having
shed some weight to increase his quickness. Matt
Leinart is no lock for the number two QB spot, as Whisenhunt
promised Brian
St. Pierre a chance to compete. Early
Doucet, the Cardinal’s 2008 third round rookie from LSU hampered
his chances to crack the daunting wide receiver line-up when he
sprained his shoulder Monday.
St. Louis Rams
– The Rams under Steve Spagnuolo are taking a “tougher”
approach towards practice this season and most of the reporting
so far is defensive oriented. One of the unfortunate recipients
of this pounding is Steven Jackson who spent the off-season putting
on weight as opposed to conditioning for endurance. Marc Bulger
has been looking sharp, hooking up on some nice plays with Donnie
Avery, Keenan Burton and even Ronald Curry (who may be looking
at punt returns more than being a go to receiver). Kenneth Darby
is presently number two behind Steven Jackson. Editors Note: WR
Donnie Avery is out 4-6 weeks with a foot injury suffered over
the weekend.
San Francisco
49ers – Michael
Crabtree is on his way to making Al Davis look like a genius.
Crabtree is holding out for a top rookie contract and some are
speculating he is stalling because his foot is not fully healed.
In any event, the holdout is ongoing and will likely continue
for some time, so don’t look for any on-the-field information
about him. Quarterback Alex
Smith led off the first practice to a repetitive chorus of
“boos” by faithfull 49er fans. Granted, the boo tactic is one
Coach Mike Singletary warmly embraces to motivate his players.
Nevertheless, in their first session, Shaun
Hill looked better than Smith. Hill took the first team reps,
while Smith took second team reps however the talk is that Smith
will be the opening day quarterback. Frank Gore already appears
to be in top condition and is finding holes and utilizing his
great vision. Its only two practices, but the run blocking has
been spotless, while the pass blocking has been woeful. In addition
to ageless Isaac
Bruce and the lesser household names like Josh
Morgan, Brandon
Jones (injured) and Arnaz
Battle, the list of receivers making great plays on day one
sounds like an arena football squad, with names like Dominique
Ziegler and Delanie
Walker. Even when Crabtree enters the mix, the guy to keep
your eye on is second year receiver Josh Morgan, who is rapidly
tying up the number one position. While I probably won’t utter
this name again, undrafted RB Kory
Sheets is one of the new guys making an impression and is
looking better than third-rounder Glenn Coffee.
Seattle Seahawks
– If there is one thing Jim Mora wanted for an early
Christmas present, it’s the signing of his 254-pound linebacker,
Aaron Curry which he got over the weekend. Offensively, Mora is
already implementing trickery, which could result in some unexpected
numbers, as T.J. Houshmandzadeh is coming off the reverse and
throwing interceptions. The Seahawks offensive line presents early
preseason issues. Left guard Mike Wahle failed his physical and
retired. Right tackle Walter Jones is leading off with back spasms
and is not around to practice in Mora’s new zone blocking
system. Matt Hasselbeck, Nate Burleson and Deion Branch (sore
knee) are all back. With Greg Knapp at the helm of the offense,
“one cut and go” is the term being repeated over and
over. Knapp’s offenses historically have been based on the
run and training camp has started off no different. Julius Jones
has shed ten pounds and has lofty expectations in the new system.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys –
Roy Williams
has taken a lot of time to get on the same page with Tony
Romo and while waiting, Romo made progress with Miles
Austin and Sam
Hurd . Austin is running crisp routes and making plays after
the catch. Meanwhile, Hurd catches everything in sight. While
I would not be “surprised” if Austin turned into the Cowboys top
receiver, he is still behind Patrick
Crayton and Roy Williams on the depth chart and that is not
likely to change by opening day. The Cowboys are looking at a
two tight end set with Martellus
Bennett coming into his own, which could work out well, but
may take away looks from Jason
Witten. Bennett is wowing spectators and could end up having
a huge impact this year. As for the running game, Marion
Barber, Felix
Jones and Tashard
Choice have all looked good, but its Jones and Choice who
are really impressing the Dallas beat writers. Jones with his
electrifying quickness and Choice with his determination to prove
he could pick up where he left off in 2008.
New York Giants
– The Giants showed up for camp August 2, so most of the
training camp news is related to off-field events, like Eli
Manning’s huge contract and the New York grand jury’s decision
not to indict Antonio
Pierce. Regardless of the off-field issues, the Giants camp
should be one of the more interesting ones to watch. They have
a list of five wide receivers, all of whom could start. Steve
Smith believes the job is his and that he will eclipse 1,000
yards and double digit touchdowns. Domenik Hixon has exhibited
the most consistency in camp to date. Hakeem Nicks has made some
nice grabs. No significant notes on the running backs yet.
Philadelphia Eagles
– It’s difficult to overlook the loss of MLB Stewart
Bradley as an important cog in the Eagles’ run stopping machinery.
However, Bradley’s torn ACL serves an important fantasy reminder
that it can be quite difficult to speculate as to which running
backs will have the toughest strength of schedule. The Eagles
have not been able to get their new-look offensive line off the
ground, with both Jason
Peters and Shawn Andrews sidelined with spasms. It is far
too early to carry LeSean
McCoy’s jock, but he has not disappointed the Eagles so far
in training camp. The backup to Brian
Westbrook will be an important fantasy tool and so far, Lorenzo
Booker is not making the grade. Former Charger practice squad
player, Eldra Buckley (who?), has been making some absolutely
sizzling runs. On the receiving side, Donovan McNabb has hooked
up with DeSean
Jackson for some highlight plays and Reggie
Brown has had a good off-season, both in spring and in the
first few days of camp this summer, catching everything thrown
his way and making defenders miss tackles. Jackson hyper-extended
his knee in practice Saturday, but should be okay. Finally, all
of the talk that Jeremy
Maclin was falling further and further behind the learning
curve got the deal closed and Maclin will be reporting to camp.
Washington Redskins
– Devin Thomas is starting off camp as the odds on
guy to take up the flanker position opposite of Santana Moss.
So far, Thomas has met training camp expectations. But, not so
fast, as Malcolm Kelly is doing his part to impress the coaches
and lock up that position for himself. From all accounts, Jason
Campbell has looked unreliable and Redskin fans are already chanting
the mantra of Colt Brennan who has looked far more prepared to
take the helm.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears –
The Bears are being cautious with Matt Forte after having pulled
his hamstring back in June. He’s been held out of drills,
but the team is unconcerned and Forte himself says he is at 100
percent. Kevin Jones has slimmed down and is looking good in his
extended opportunities. Jay Cutler has looked good early in camp,
but mostly passing to his check down receivers Forte, Greg Olson
and his former teammate Earl Bennett. While the Bears have other
possible threats at wide receiver in Devin Hester and rookie Juaquin
Iglesias, Bennett is one of the guys the Bears are keeping their
eyes on… along with Brandon Rideau, who is also excelling
at camp (like he did last year).
Detroit Lions
– Players, coaches and the press in Detroit are gushing
over Matthew Stafford. He is delivering jaw dropping, precision-long
passes into tight coverage with pin point accuracy. Even Calvin
Johnson is impressed by Stafford’s skills and believes (like
many) Stafford is “way ahead of the curve.” The quarterback
battle is already heating up and the Lions are brimming with joy,
as they believe they have two good quarterbacks in Stafford and
a much slimmer Daunte Culpepper. However, don’t get too
excited as the Lions’ offensive line has not been able to
stop the defensive line in passing drills, which will drastically
affect either QB’s chance at getting good looks down the
field. The brightest star so far seems to be RB Kevin Smith. The
buzz is about Smith’s toughness, discipline and desire along
with his improved power – a by-product of running hills
in the offseason. Rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew left practice with
a quad injury, which is minor, but as discussed ad nauseam, rookies
need to be in camp. While Megatron (Johnson) is making a few highlight
reel catches, it appears Dennis Northcutt (who is behind golf
cart injured Bryant Johnson on the depth chart) is getting a lot
of opportunities with the first team.
Green Bay Packers
– Greg Jennings committed himself in the off-season
to becoming better than his new friend Larry Fitzgerald. Apparently,
the two would text each other at odd hours of the morning, trying
to show each other up in their work out efforts. Nice to hear
a top 10 WR is not satisfied with merely being amongst the elite,
but wants to be the best of the elite. I think we’ll be
hearing Jennings’ name all year long right alongside Fitzgerald
and Andre Johnson. While many names get bandied about in the Green
Bay wide receiver corps, one making early waves is second team
TE Jermichael Finley in the form of run blocking or receiving.
Also making noise this training camp has been RB DeShawn Wynn,
even before Brandon Jackson left Tuesday morning with a bruised
shoulder.
Minnesota Vikings
– I cannot even report on this quarterback situation with
a straight face. Good luck Viking fans. Favre was in, then out.
Tavaris Jackson was in, then out then in again but expect him
to be out Week 1. Rosenfels and Jackson came into camp allegedly
even and although Jackson expects to be 100% by the first preseason
game, if Rosenfels continues to make good decisions and improve
on his timing, Jackson will be on his way to the bench. If Sage
Rosenfels can be the journeyman Trent
Dilfer was for a year with the Ravens things could be okay.
Otherwise, Adrian
Peterson could be consistently looking at eleven in the box.
But, in all seriousness, Rosenfels’ has found timing with Bernard
Berrian on deep passes and has also experienced some success
with Jaymar
Johnson, who has been one of the most impressive players in
camp thus far. Jaymar Johnson is buried deep on the depth chart
behind Berrian, Bobby
Wade, Sidney
Rice and Percy
Harvin.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
– Roddy White ended his lengthy holdout over the
weekend. A season-ending injury to Harry Douglas has left the
Falcons scrambling for veteran help. In steps Robert Ferguson
and Marty Booker although both seem like long shots to have a
successful fantasy season. Matt Ryan has picked up where he left
off, completing nearly every pass he throws and garnering high
praise as the real deal from veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez.
There has been a lot of talk about reducing Michael Turner’s
carries and so far in camp, they appear to be keeping him fresh
with limited totes. Jerious Norwood or not, if the passing game
gets thinned out by the lack of talent, expect the Burner to be
burned out by the end of the year.
Carolina Panthers
– Jonathan Stewart is still nursing his Achilles
tendon. He is practicing at most, once a day, sat out all spring
and will not cut into DeAngelo Williams’ carries one iota.
Williams has been “looking like a superstar” and is
“picking up where he left off last season.” Late news
before submission was that Williams suffered a toe injury, which
does not have Jon Fox concerned. Rookie RB Mike Goodson could
cut into the carries of both running backs and has impressed his
teammates with his speed and versatility. For the second time
in this article, a run defense has been hampered by a significant
blow, when the Panthers lost Maake Kemoeatu for the year to a
torn Achilles tendon. The Panthers were already thin in their
front seven and could not afford this loss. Dwayne Jarrett made
a terrific catch in traffic while draped in coverage during first
practice.
New Orleans Saints
– Saints camp is one of the more exciting camps to watch
with the emergence of Pierre
Thomas and the hopes that Reggie Bush will live up to his
NFL draft day status. Chris Mortenson reported that Reggie
Bush’s explosiveness is “stunning.” Bush experienced some
knee swelling, and has missed a couple of practices however, according
to the Times-Picayune, when Bush is on the field, he looks as
“fast and fluid as ever, standing out as the most dynamic weapon
on the Saints' offense.” Bush is making players miss and punching
in 60-yard touchdowns. Wait, not so fast. Bush left Tuesday’s
practice with swelling and a limp. Pierre Thomas has done no less
to impress and is picking up exactly where he left off last year
with his own dazzling 65-yard touchdown run. Even running backs
Mike Bell
and Lynell Hamilton have been getting noticed and are hoping to
make an impact this year. Drew
Brees has not had his timing down and has been consistently
off the mark. However, Brees is finding a comfort zone with one
of his receivers and it is not Marques
Colston or Lance
Moore – instead, it is Robert
Meachem, who is looking much more comfortable. Receivers coach
Curtis Johnson expressed that Meachem’s development is “light
years” and that he will be a pleasant surprise for the Saints
this season. At this moment, Meachem is first team ahead of Devery
Henderson.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– New team, new coach, and a new roster at the skill
positions, so the Bucs present another intriguing team to follow
during camp. The running back situation could be dicey for those
who are expecting to nab Derrick Ward in early to middle rounds
of their draft. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski has made
it clear that he wants to rotate backs in and out and use all
of his resources. He likes Ward’s slashing style and ability
to catch the ball. He likes Earnest Graham’s tenacious ability
not to lose yardage. Cadillac Williams has returned to camp at
full strength, with spirit, quickness and decisiveness. Even Clifton
Smith is expecting to get playing time in the Buccaneer backfield.
While the offensive line started off slowly, on Monday they opened
some nice holes for big gains by both Ward and Cadillac. Antonio
Bryant missed practice with knee swelling and Kellen Winslow is
suffering from a mild sprained his ankle. The receiving corps
may not be a list of household names after Bryant, Michael Clayton
and Winslow, but the change in coaching philosophy already shows
with all three QBs airing it out deep in practices. Early on,
Luke McCown was taking first team reps at quarterback.
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